Thandai Cookies Recipe: A Sweet, Spicy Twist on Tradition

It’s Holi, the festival of colors, and my family is gathered around, sipping on glasses of Thandai—the drink that fills the air with its unique blend of spices, nuts, and a hint of floral sweetness. The bright colors of the festival, the sound of laughter, and the joyful chaos of throwing colors in the air all make for the perfect moment. 🌸

But here’s where the fun part begins—while everyone’s enjoying their Thandai, I thought, “Why not eat these flavors too?” And bam, that’s how my Thandai Cookies were born.

I took all the ingredients from that iconic drink—saffron, cardamom, pistachios and turned them into the most festive, delicious cookies you can imagine. I mean, who says you can’t enjoy Thandai in more ways than one?

These cookies are packed with the flavors of celebration, and they’ve got just the right balance of spice and sweetness. Whether it’s Holi, Diwali, or just a cozy Sunday afternoon, these cookies will make you feel like you’re wrapped up in a warm, festive hug.

So, What Exactly is Thandai?

Thandai is this iconic drink in Indian culture, especially during the warmer months and festive occasions. Made with milk, almonds, pistachios, fennel seeds, rose petals, black pepper, cardamom, and saffron, it's known for its cooling properties. Not only does it taste divine with the combination of spicy, nutty, and floral notes, but it’s also refreshing and energizing, making it the perfect drink when the temperature starts to rise.

During Holi, people come together to celebrate with colors, laughter, and, of course, a chilled glass of thandai. It's one of those drinks that make you feel festive, relaxed, and completely in the moment. And, for those of us who can't get enough of thandai, why not turn it into a cookie?

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Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Thandai Cookies

• Spicy, But Sweet: Imagine the perfect combo of warm, aromatic spices with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s like a flavor hug in every bite, with the spices dancing on your taste buds and that little bit of sweetness making you want more.

• A Tasty Twist on Tradition: You’ve had Thandai in a glass, but have you ever thought of turning it into a cookie? Yep, I went there! These cookies take all those classic Thandai flavors—cardamom, saffron, pistachios, and rose water—and pack them into a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat. It’s like a festive twist on your favorite tradition but in cookie form.

• Fun and Easy to Make: Seriously, if you can roll dough and sprinkle on some nuts, you’re halfway there! These cookies come together so easily, that you’ll be baking like a pro in no time. And the best part? The smell of them baking is enough to make you feel like a baking legend!

Thandai Cookies with Whole Wheat Flour

If you love the idea of Thandai Cookies but want to make them a bit healthier, swapping in whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour is a great way to do so. Whole wheat flour adds a nutty depth to the cookies while keeping the warm, aromatic flavors of thandai intact. Here’s a lighter yet just as delicious version of these festive treats!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour – For a hearty, nutty base.

• ½ cup powdered brown sugar – Adds a light, delicate sweetness.

• ½ cup butter (softened) – For that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• 1 tbsp thandai powder - A slightly sweet, refreshing spice that brings out the true essence of thandai.

• A pinch of saffron strands – To give the cookies a beautiful golden color and delicate flavor.

• 2 tbsp milk (for dissolving saffron) – To help bring everything together.

• ¼ cup pistachios (chopped) – For added texture and nutty crunch.

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cream the butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.

3. Sift together the whole wheat flour, and thandai powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough comes together.

4. Prepare saffron milk: Dissolve the saffron strands in 2 tbsp of warm milk and let them steep for a few minutes. Add this saffron-infused milk and rose water to the dough and mix well.

5. Fold in the chopped pistachios, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

6. Shape the dough: Roll the dough into small balls and flatten them gently on the baking sheet. You can press a whole pistachio into the center of each cookie for a decorative touch.

7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

 Here’s the nutritional breakdown per cookie (based on 12 cookies):

• Calories: ~174 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~19.5g

• Protein: ~2.2g

• Fat: ~9.3g

• Fiber: ~1.8g

These cookies are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats from pistachios and whole wheat flour, though they do contain some sugar and butter. Enjoy them as a delicious, somewhat indulgent treat!

These Thandai Cookies with whole wheat flour are deliciously aromatic, subtly spiced, and have the perfect balance of nutty and sweet. They’re a great way to enjoy the festive flavors of thandai in a wholesome, baked treat.

Enjoy them with a cup of tea, share them with friends, or gift them as a thoughtful homemade treat. Happy baking!

FAQs

1. What are Thandai Cookies?

Thandai Cookies are cookies infused with the flavors of Thandai, a traditional Indian drink made with nuts, seeds, and spices, giving them a unique and aromatic taste.

2.Where can I find more recipes like these ?

We keep posting healthy recipes in our blogs. Follow us on our social media to get updates on healthy lifestyle.

3. Are Thandai Cookies difficult to make?

According to Kanika Bhatia's video, the recipe is easy to follow, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced bakers.

4. What ingredients are typically used in Thandai Cookies?

The cookies include common baking ingredients along with spices and nuts typically found in Thandai, offering a unique blend of flavors.

5. What occasions are Thandai Cookies suitable for?

Thandai Cookies are versatile and can be made for any occasion, adding a special and festive touch to your celebrations.